Urban Exploration

This page is intended to be a guide for beginners wishing to undertake their first urban exploration adventure. I do not encourage entering hazardous abandonments or trespassing, but write this as a guide for those who want to know more about the activity of urban exploration. Pictures were obtained from the net and assumed to be public domain.

The Basics

The most common form of urban exploration (sometimes shortened to Urbex) involves entering abandoned structures. Some of the most sought after abandonments include places such as amusement parks, industrial factories, power plants, fallout shelters, schools and hospitals. Why people undertake such an activity is a hard question to answer, as each participant usually has their own personal reason. Some enjoy the tranquility associated with abandonments, though most urban explorers have an interest in photography and enjoy photographing dilapidated and abandoned structures. Others get a rush from entering hard to reach places. Sometimes these places are guarded abandonments that are hazardous to enter, while other explorers strive to get into restricted and personnel only areas in active buildings.

An abandoned Hotel, a favorite for exploring

The nature of the structure under exploration varies greatly due to location, availability and the explorer's personal preferences, and as such urban exploration has developed a broad list of titles. Some of these titles are simplifications of the full title while others are used to describe specific Urbex activities, which are displayed below:

Haikyo

Haikyo is a Japanese word that translates as 'Abandoned place' and is commonly used by Japanese explorers as the title for urban exploration. Since the end of WW2 Japan has built extensive industrial facilities. Over time some of these facilities have come into disrepair and are one of the common places explored by participants of Haikyo. It doesn't take much imagination to picture the other assorted locations that could be found in any of Japans large cities.

Urban Climbing/Rock Climbing

There are very few rules that are accepted by all who take part in urban exploration. Some participants favor climbing when exploring structures and buildings. Such enthusiasts could use methods as simple as climbing over an outer perimeter fence, or a complex climb involving extensive experience to explore such places as disused elevator shafts. It is not unheard of for climbers to scale the external walls of disused buildings or use their climbing abilities to circumnavigate collapsed or unreliable stairwells.

Max Polatov, extreme climber from Russia...130 meters above ground

 

Urban Caving

 

This title is used by explorers to describe a variety of activities. Some of the most common urban caving is done in subway and rail tunnels. Some of these tunnels are disused but the majority are still in operation, and explorers risk death, injury or serious fines for venturing into these tunnels. Due to the illegal aspect of tunnel exploration it is considered the least publicized.

 

Building Hacking

 

This title is used by explorers who favor 'live' buildings, buildings that are either under construction, renovation or buildings that are currently in use. Due to the nature of this exploration it can also be referred to as Infiltration, where the explorer enters a building with the intention of entering into the restricted or off limit areas. Infiltrators can be slapped with hefty fines if caught trespassing in these areas. Some Infiltrators have stated that it is the thrill of being caught which makes this type of urban exploration most attractive.

A construction site will always look to me like a man sized jungle gym

 

Draining

 

As the name implies, draining involves the exploration of underwater drainage systems. This can be incredibly dangerous for many reasons. Sewer drains can collect pockets of highly toxic gas, commonly methane and hydrogen sulphide. Explorers wandering into these pockets can be rendered unconscious and asphyxiate on the collected gasses. Storm water drains have their own dangers, most commonly drowning or the risk of being swept away if sufficient rain falls while the explorer is underground. Explorers who are unfamiliar or unprepared can become lost due to disorientation or darkness if lighting equipment fails.

When it rains, no drains

 

 

Controversy

Urban exploration has received much criticism over the years, and there have been several occasions where local councils have pushed to outlaw such activities. This usually happens when someone is seriously injured or killed, numerous cases of trespassing are reported or sites are damaged by extensive vandalism. See below for a more in depth look at these issues.

Trespassing 

This is one of the reasons urban exploration has been vindicated in recent years. As many suitable exploration sites are old, degraded buildings situated on privately owned land enthusiasts often trespass to reach specific sites. Explorers caught trespassing may be prosecuted under civil law.

Some notable cases of trespassing occur within European catacombs, extensive crypts that run beneath well populated modern day cities such as Rome, Paris and Naples. Although some of these catacombs are open to the public as tourist attractions 'Cataphiles' often seek ways to gain entry into the deeper off limit areas of these crypts.

 

Dangers

During exploration adventurers can be subjected to all manner of hazards and dangers. Drainers and urban cavers often risk drowning and suffocation. Urban cavers who favor metro tunnels can risk being caught off guard by subway or rail cars and environmental hazards in long disused maintenance tunnels. Explorers entering into industrial facilities may be exposed to all kinds of hazardous chemicals, acids and gasses while traditional explorers entering abandoned buildings can be exposed to asbestos particles which can cause lung cancer if inhaled.

Explorers may also regularly come across unstable structures and surfaces, unsafe floors, broken glass and faulty electrical wiring.  There have been more than one case where squatters have threatened explorers for coming into their homes, while some sites are patrolled by roaming guard dogs. Due to the great deal of potential hazards some local councils have attempted to outlaw urban exploration.

Vandalism

Urban explorers are often blamed for vandalism and looting. Usually sites are vandalized by locals long before urban explorers move in, though it is not unheard of for some explorers to damage sites, or to pick up the occasional souvenir. Most serious urban explorers follow the same rules as woodland explorers; Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints. Sadly there will always be a few enthusiasts who ruin the experience for the many.

Urban Etiquette 

As with all things, there is a right way and a wrong way to go about exploration activities. Urban exploration is no different and by taking some simple steps it is possible to gain permission to enter some of the more exciting areas. Here is how;

Seek Permission

Its simple enough, if a particular building is located on privately owned land arrange a meeting with the owner. Request permission to access the property to take some pictures, if asked why any reason will usually do, though writing an article is usually the most common excuse. By seeking permission a lot of the controversial aspects can be avoided. The owner can pass on any information about potential dangers and by going about the process in a legal manner can open up the building for return visits, and can help make the building available to other enthusiasts.

Respect the site

Many abandoned structures have some historical value. Avoid upsetting the local community by leaving things as you have found them. Although it may be tempting to spray paint your name, or the name of your group on the wall resist the temptation, you were there and that is all that matters. Its not likely that the next person to come through will care.

Understand the Dangers

Every site is going to have its dangers. By understanding these dangers you reduce the chance of being injured or killed. Although some accidents are unavoidable the majority can be mitigated through careful planning. Check your kit before entering a dangerous site. Be sure you have all the things you need, food, water, dust or filtration masks, torches, maps, gloves etc. Be sure to leave a note or tell a friend where you are going and when you plan to be back, this way if something goes wrong help can be sent right away.